Best Restaurants in Riga: Where to Eat & Top Food Picks
Introduction — Why Riga is a Great Food City
Riga has quietly become one of the Baltic region’s most exciting food cities. The capital of Latvia blends traditional Northern and Eastern European flavours with modern European techniques, seasonal ingredients and a flourishing café culture. Whether you want hearty traditional dishes, inventive tasting menus or cosy coffee shops, this guide to the best restaurants in Riga helps you choose where to eat during your city trip.
How to Use This Guide
The restaurants below are organised by category so you can quickly find what fits your plan and budget: traditional Latvian, mid-range favourites, fine dining, vegetarian & vegan, cafés & bakeries and markets & street food. Each entry includes a short description, price level, recommended dishes and a tip for booking or timing.
Tip: If you’re short on time, check the City Trip Riga main guide for a weekend itinerary and pair one of the restaurants below with an afternoon in the Old Town or the Art Nouveau district.
Traditional Latvian Restaurants
1. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
Why go: A lively cellar pub that serves hearty Latvian classics alongside locally brewed beers. Great for visitors who want a traditional atmosphere with live folk music some nights.
Recommended dishes: Grey peas with bacon, smoked fish platter, potato pancakes.
Price level: € (budget–mid-range)
Tip: Weekends are busy; go early or book a table for groups.
2. Lido (Central Market locations and standalone restaurants)
Why go: Lido is a Latvian chain that offers a broad selection of traditional dishes at very reasonable prices. It’s ideal for sampling multiple local favourites in one sitting.
Recommended dishes: Rye bread, borscht, pork knuckle, various pickled items.
Price level: € (budget)
Tip: Visit the Lido by the Central Market for a lively local atmosphere and easy access to market stalls afterwards.
3. Rozengrāls
Why go: A medieval-style tavern in the Old Town where servers wear period costumes and dishes are inspired by historical recipes. Great for a theatrical dinner experience.
Recommended dishes: Roasted meats, honey cake, mead-based drinks.
Price level: €€ (mid-range)
Tip: Popular with tourists — reserve ahead for an evening table.
Mid-range Restaurants & Local Favourites
4. Märtinī
Why go: Modern Latvian plates with seasonal ingredients, a relaxed vibe and friendly service. A solid choice for both lunch and dinner.
Recommended dishes: Seasonal fish or meat specials, fresh salads, locally produced cheeses.
Price level: €€
Tip: Check lunchtime set menus for good value.
5. Trīs Pavāru Restorāns (Three Chefs)
Why go: Contemporary European cooking with a clear focus on quality ingredients and presentation — beloved by locals.
Recommended dishes: Chef’s tasting plates, seasonal starters and classic desserts with a twist.
Price level: €€–€€€
Tip: Reserve in advance for weekends, and ask for wine pairings if available.
6. Folk Restaurant “Neiburgs”
Why go: Located near the Livu Square, Neiburgs combines stylish interiors with reliable Latvian-influenced menus — great for a comfortable evening meal.
Recommended dishes: Seasonal tasting menu and classy Latvian starters.
Price level: €€
Fine Dining & Creative Cuisine
Riga’s fine dining scene has grown rapidly. If you want a memorable culinary experience, these spots are among the city’s most acclaimed.
7. Restaurant “Vincents”
Why go: One of Riga’s most prestigious restaurants, often recommended for special occasions and tasting menus that highlight contemporary Latvian cuisine.
Recommended dishes: Multi-course tasting menu, seasonal ingredient showcases.
Price level: €€€
Tip: Reserve well in advance and mention dietary requirements when booking.
8. 3 Pavāru Bankets (Chef’s Table / Special Dinner Events)
Why go: Look for chef’s table nights, pop-ups and seasonal tasting events — these can be exceptional and often sell out.
Price level: €€€
Tip: Follow restaurant social channels for event announcements and early booking windows.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
The plant-based scene in Riga has expanded: there are thoughtful vegetarian restaurants and cafés that offer full menus, not just a few side dishes.
9. Fat Pumpkin
Why go: A popular vegetarian spot with creative dishes and a comfortable atmosphere.
Price level: €€
Tip: Try the daily specials — they often highlight local produce.
10. Zibi
Why go: Small plant-based café with healthy bowls, smoothies and pastries — great for lunch or a light dinner.
Price level: €
Cafés, Bakeries & Coffee Culture
Riga’s café culture is strong — perfect for slow mornings and pastry-hopping. Many cafés roast their own beans and pair them with excellent pastries.
11. Rocket Bean Roastery
Why go: One of Riga’s best specialty coffee roasters with a minimalist café and excellent espresso-based drinks.
Tip: Great spot for remote work, and try a local pastry alongside your coffee.
12. MiiT Coffee
Why go: Trendy local chain known for consistent coffee and relaxed atmosphere — good for a quick stop between sightseeing.
13. Central Market Stalls & Local Bakeries
Why go: Pick up fresh rye bread, pastries, and smoked fish at Central Market or nearby bakeries for a picnic on the park lawns.
Markets & Street Food
Riga Central Market is a must — five huge pavilions offering fish, meats, dairy, produce and many ready-to-eat options. Street food stalls and weekend markets are great for tasting small plates and regional snacks.
Tip: Look for seasonal specialties — fermented items, mushroom dishes and berry preserves are common in autumn.
Food Tours & Cooking Classes
If you want to learn local food culture quickly, consider booking a guided food tour or a cooking class. These tours combine market visits with tastings and are excellent for first-time visitors.
Book your tours now:
Booking tip: Replace these links with your GetYourGuide affiliate URLs when ready.
Sample Dining Budget
Budgeting for food in Riga is straightforward: inexpensive meals and market snacks can cost €5–12, mid-range restaurants generally €15–30 per person (excluding drinks), while fine dining tasting menus may begin around €60–100+ per person depending on wine pairings.
Quick reference:
- Budget / market meal: €5–12
- Mid-range sit-down: €15–30
- Fine dining / tasting menu: €60+
How to Choose & Practical Tips
Make a shortlist: If you only have one evening, pick a neighbourhood (Old Town or Art Nouveau area) and choose a restaurant within walking distance to maximise sightseeing time. For food-first travellers, book a food tour on your first day to get an immediate sense of local flavours and favourite producers.
Reservations: For mid-range and fine-dining spots, book ahead — weekends fill up. Use restaurant booking systems, direct emails or phone calls. For traditional taverns and market stalls, arriving earlier in the evening or at lunch can help avoid queues.
Local etiquette: Tipping of 5–10% is appreciated in sit-down restaurants if service is not included. Carry a small amount of cash for market stalls, though cards are widely accepted in most urban restaurants.
Where to Pair Drinks — Wine Bars, Breweries & Cocktails
Riga has a growing craft beer scene and several cosy wine bars. For a lively local evening, pair traditional food with regional beers at a tavern, or choose a rooftop bar for cocktails and views over the Old Town.
Examples: local microbreweries, rooftop bars near the Daugava river, and intimate wine bars in the city centre.
Food for Families & Travelling with Kids
Many mid-range restaurants have child-friendly options and ample space for strollers. Markets are also great: kids usually enjoy picking sweets, pancakes and trying different fruit. If you travel with small children, choose an earlier dinner time (18:00–19:00) to avoid crowds.
Sample One-Day Food Itinerary
- Breakfast: Start with coffee and pastries at a local bakery (try rye-based pastries).
- Morning snack: Visit Central Market and taste smoked fish or local cheese samples.
- Lunch: Mid-range bistro for seasonal Latvian dishes.
- Afternoon: Coffee at Rocket Bean Roastery and a stroll through the Art Nouveau district.
- Dinner: Traditional Latvian restaurant or a tasting menu if you want a special evening.
Where to Book & accommodation pairings
Pair your food-focused stay with centrally located accommodation — Old Town or the Centre district will keep you close to the best restaurants and markets. Use Booking.com to find hotels and apartments:
Tip: Choose accommodation with a small kitchenette if you enjoy market shopping and a DIY breakfast with local produce.
Final Tips & Quick References
- Best seasons: Summer and early autumn for outdoor dining and markets.
- Reservations: Book mid-range & fine-dining restaurants 1–2 weeks ahead during high season.
- Markets: Central Market is open daily; mornings are best for the freshest produce.
- Allergies & dietary needs: Many restaurants accommodate restrictions — ask in advance or check menus online.
Further Reading & Internal Links
Complement this food guide with our other Riga resources, or also check the Tallinn blog!
Book your food trips
Ready to taste Riga? Book a local food tour or reserve a table at one of the recommended restaurants.
